Prayers.....

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like the same thing Gary has - heart failure - Gary's heart only works about 40% and his too, was caused by a virus. The good news is that medications can strengthen the heart and sometimes this is reversable so that almost 100% of the heart starts working again. When they get her meds adjusted, she will probably feel better.

[Blueyes]

I'm sorry Diana! No wonder you needed your big bottle of vanilla today I hope they can find out what her problem is and help her feel better. I'll pray for you all.

[DianaB]

The doctors did a heart cath on Patty today and they found out that she had a blockage and that her heart was damaged worse than they thought. They are going to put a stint in for the blockage. I guess that her heart is really enlarged from the virus and is permanently damaged. The doctor said that he knew a 24 year old boy that had a heart damaged like Patty's. He's had about 10 years with his heart in bad condition and is now on a heart transplant list. I know that my son is really upset by all of this. Patty is a sweetheart and is just so very kind. She's always been so active. This is going to be hard for the whole family.

Feyn's going out to Wichita tomorrow and the kids will be coming here after school. I don't know if they'll be spending the night but I won't be surprised if they do. The kids are very close to Patty and are very upset by all of this.

[gja1000]

Diana, with heart damage that extensive and permanent, 10 years is the average life span. I know, because that is Gary's. He is 6 years post diagnosis - so sometimes we think about, 4 more years....... and it is really hard.

She can have a wonderful life between now and then - and maybe they will decide to put her on the transplant list too. How old is she? That will determine a lot if she is eligible for a transplant. Gary is 60 and he would be on the transplant list, but his lungs are very damaged from asthma and a previous fungal infection - so a new heart would not solve all his problems.

Again, with good doctors, good medications, proper exercise, rest, and a positive outlook, she can do many many things in the next few years. Her life will change for sure. She won't be as active as she was before, she'll have to rest more and ask for more help. It is really really hard.

Gary woke up one morning in heart failure, it wasn't gradual, boom! it was there. His career was in building houses - he was a carptenter - and suddenly he had trouble walking from the bed to the chair. But as you know he can do lots of things now, with lifestyle modifications. It takes time and it is very very frustrating and upsetting, but this condition can be dealt with and she can have a very positive quality of life.

I hope she continues to improve and i hope she has a doctor that is a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure. A cardiologist who specializes in heart failure will know better how to treat her than a regular cardiologist. Gary has been with his heart failure specialist for about 5 years and he has felt MUCH better under her care than the first year with a regular cardiologist.

It will be a long road, but it can be a good road!

[Marilyn]

Diana, so, so sad to hear this. She and all of you will be in my prayers.

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by gja1000

Diana, with heart damage that extensive and permanent, 10 years is the average life span. I know, because that is Gary's. He is 6 years post diagnosis - so sometimes we think about, 4 more years....... and it is really hard.

She can have a wonderful life between now and then - and maybe they will decide to put her on the transplant list too. How old is she? That will determine a lot if she is eligible for a transplant. Gary is 60 and he would be on the transplant list, but his lungs are very damaged from asthma and a previous fungal infection - so a new heart would not solve all his problems.

Again, with good doctors, good medications, proper exercise, rest, and a positive outlook, she can do many many things in the next few years. Her life will change for sure. She won't be as active as she was before, she'll have to rest more and ask for more help. It is really really hard.

Gary woke up one morning in heart failure, it wasn't gradual, boom! it was there. His career was in building houses - he was a carptenter - and suddenly he had trouble walking from the bed to the chair. But as you know he can do lots of things now, with lifestyle modifications. It takes time and it is very very frustrating and upsetting, but this condition can be dealt with and she can have a very positive quality of life.

I hope she continues to improve and i hope she has a doctor that is a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure. A cardiologist who specializes in heart failure will know better how to treat her than a regular cardiologist. Gary has been with his heart failure specialist for about 5 years and he has felt MUCH better under her care than the first year with a regular cardiologist.

It will be a long road, but it can be a good road!

Gayle, have I told you how much I appreciate you? You are always so caring in your posts! I'll pass this information on to my son and DIL.

Patty is a very young 68 years old. She could always out work most of us!! This will be a big change for her and her family. I'm glad to hear that she will have some good years still ahead.

[gja1000]

Thanks Diana! I'm always glad when I can provide information that will help people - that's what nurses do. And being a nurse is not a job, it's a way of life. We just can't help ourselves!!! LOL! My personal experience with Gary helps a lot though, in this situation.

[Gina]

Diana I will say a prayer for Patty, I hope that alll goes well for her ... Gayle your a sweetheart.